SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — The Jewish Federation of San Diego County and partners at the Jewish Agency have mobilized in response to the attack on Wednesday, July 18, targeting Israeli tourists in Bulgaria.
The Fund for the Victims of Terror, operated by The Jewish Agency for Israel and made possible by contributions from Jewish Federations across North America, will provide financial assistance to Israelis wounded in the attack in Bulgaria and to the families of those killed.
Claire Ellman, Board Chair, and Michael Sonduck, Interim President and CEO of Federation, released the following statement: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this heinous crime committed against the Jewish people. The Federation condemns the loss of life and stands in solidarity with Israel on this tragic day. We hope the support we are able to offer through the Victims of Terror Fund will provide those whose lives have been devastated with assistance and comfort in their time of need.”
The Victims of Terror fund will help those affected by the attack address supplemental needs not covered by Israeli government bodies. Any family that experienced the loss or injury of a loved one in the attack may request assistance from the fund.
The Fund, established in 2002, provides financial assistance to victims of terror in Israel. Since its establishment, the fund — which is sustained by contributions from Jewish Federations, philanthropic foundations and donors around the world — has enabled The Jewish Agency to provide thousands of terror victims and their families with assistance at a scope of more than NIS 100 million.
The Federation in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego continues to monitor the situation. At this time there is no indication that there is a threat to the San Diego community.
Bulgarian authorities have now established that a suicide bomber, carrying an apparently fake U.S. passport, blew up a bus carrying newly arrived Israeli tourists, outside the airport of the resort city of Burgas. Shortly before the attack, security cameras caught the terrorist on tape that can be seen here.
Six Israeli tourists and the Bulgarian bus driver were killed in the attack, as was the suicide bomber.
A team of Israeli doctors and first responders, led by Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Dir.-Gen. Prof. Gabriel Barbash, along with Foreign Affairs Ministry professionals and security personnel flew directly to Burgas Wednesday night, and an extended team from Israel arrived Thursday morning. Shortly afterwards, Israel Air Force Hercules transport planes airlifted 32 of the wounded Israelis back to Israel. Another plane load of the injured was scheduled to be flown back to Israel later Thursday. An additional three Israeli victims in critical condition will remain hospitalized in Bulgaria. Footage of the Israeli team’s arrival can be seen here, and footage of the Israeli Zaka team can be seen here.
In relation to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “All signs point towards Iran. Over the last few months we have seen Iran’s attempts to attack Israelis in Thailand, India, Georgia, Kenya, Cyprus and other countries. Exactly 18 years to the day after the horrendous attack on the Jewish Community Center in Argentina, deadly Iranian terrorism continues to strike at innocent people. This is a global Iranian terror onslaught and Israel will react firmly to it.”
President Barack Obama called Netanyahu last night to express his condolences over the “barbaric” attack, which he called “outrageous.”
Donations can be made at: http://bit.ly/sdbulgaria
Contributions to the Victims of Terror Fund can also be mailed to: Jewish Federation of San Diego County, 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA, 92123
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Preceding provided by the Jewish Federation of Sa Diego County